Pharmacological manipulation of peritoneal transport in CAPD

Various endogenous compounds and drugs influence different determinants of peritoneal transport. Catecholamines affect vascular diameter and mesenteric blood flow. Several gastrointestinal hormones were found to induce splanchnic vasodilation and to augment the effective vascular surface. Different prostanoids, histamine, and bradykinin influence peritoneal mass transfer by increasing vascular permeability. Vasodilative acting drugs, diuretics and surface active compounds were found to augment peritoneal solute clearances and water efflux by acting on peritoneal vessels or the serosal surface of the peritoneal membrane. Hyperosmolar dialysis solutions increase ultrafiltration and contribute to total peritoneal clearance by convective transport. The present paper aims to summarize the current knowledge on pharmacological and physiological manipulation of peritoneal transport function and to show some ways of its clinical use.